Successful return of the Marton Scouts gala

Christopher and Max Beetham help out at the baking stall as part of 1st Marton Scout group's craft fair and gala day on Saturday. Photo/Bevan Conley

Hundreds turned out to the 1st Marton Scout Group's craft fair, gala day and annual garage gale on Saturday.

It was the first time the group had held a fundraising gala for about 10 years and the Marton Memorial Hall was packed with a range of stalls, food, arts and crafts.

Group leader Kevin Randles said the event raised about $3500 with the money going towards the general running of the Scouts.

"We didn't know what to expect.

"It was really successful. We had a lot of garage sale stuff donated by the community. It was quite good."

The 1st Marton Scout Group has about 40 youth members which Mr Randles said was impressive for a town the size of Marton.

That came from having a strong leadership committee and good support from the community, he said.

"I'm quite proud of our group."

Mr Randles said Scouts in New Zealand remained strong and was continually updating their practice to stay relevant.

"Sometimes people just think to the 1960s and 1970s when they were in it but it's a much more modern programme to reflect current needs.

"Scouts New Zealand has recently changed its promise to reflect current, modern values.

"We still have a focus on the outdoors so we are still into the camping and tramping in the hills."

But it also has programmes in areas such as photography and aviation.

"The Scout movement is about developing adults that take an active part in their community."